Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
105th Avenue/Nassau St. Master Plan Discussion
end
Background
The 105th Avenue/Radisson Road industrial area has been identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a priority redevelopment area. It has also been identified as one of the four priority areas by the City Council through the visioning process that occurred in early 2021 and is also identified in the “Growth Management” portion of the City’s strategic plan. Based on direction from the City Council, the city will embark on a visioning/design process for this area to assist in future marketing and development efforts.
The industrial area consists of older industrial buildings that have either become antiquated due to their age or have excessive outdoor storage which is not consistent with the vision for the area. The EDA has been active in purchasing property over the last five years and continues to discuss further acquisitions as property becomes available. The National Sports Center (NSC) and Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) are also key property owners in this area.
General discussions by the City Council identify this as a potential “city core” where the City should encourage walkable, entertainment type of uses that take advantage of the NSC and be an amenity to Blaine residents and visitors. Staff is suggesting a planning/design process that includes key stakeholders (city staff, boards/commissions, city council, property owners, NSC and MAC) to establish the vision for this area both visually and descriptively. An important aspect is an architect assisting in creating the visual plan for the area.
An RFP was advertised in September seeking written proposals from qualified architects to assist the Community Development Department in preparation of a master plan for the 105th Avenue Redevelopment Area. Sperides Reiners Architects (SRA) was selected as the architect to assist with the project.
At the November 15, 2021 workshop, the consultant led a discussion to gather information from the City Council about their vision for the area.
At the December 13, 2021 meeting, the consultant led two groups comprised of staff and the City Council to analyze four draft concept plans.
At the February 14, 2022 workshop, two concepts called Town Green and Lake + Main were presented. The consultant gathered information via comment cards from the City Council.
Since the February 14, 2022 workshop, staff and the consultant have met several times to refine the plan based on known barriers and other conversations that have since happened with the NSC, interested developers, and some property owners in the redevelopment area. The consultant will present a hybrid plan of what was shown on February 14, 2022 that incorporates a showcase water feature with restaurants and open space, a town green, parking ramp and mixed use/residential/commercial uses within the district.
This workshop is the last opportunity to refine the plan prior to completion. After completion of the plan in April, the first step is to establish a zoning district with standards and design guidelines that will dictate development moving forward. Staff anticipates discussing zoning at the April 11 and May 9 workshops with formal actions occurring in June/July. The moratorium expires in August, however can be extended an additional six months if needed to complete the rezoning. Staff will also create an implementation plan that identifies short-term public infrastructure improvements, additional potential property acquisition, and explore the possibility of creating a redevelopment TIF district to assist in funding the public infrastructure improvements and potential parking ramp.
Staff Recommendation
Provide feedback on the master plan.
Attachment List
Presentation Materials